Overview
At Atkinson, Andelson, Loya, Ruud & Romo (AALRR), we leverage decades of specialized experience to represent a diverse clientele—including public entities, businesses, and individuals—in all aspects of water law. Our practice encompasses the full spectrum of water-related challenges, from intricate water rights disputes to water quality compliance and resource management strategies. Among our clients are water districts, irrigation districts, cities and counties, reclamation districts, groundwater sustainability agencies, agricultural producers, ranchers, real estate investors, financial institutions, developers, and construction material suppliers. We are committed to safeguarding our clients’ interests with tailored, effective solutions.
General Counsel
AALRR is trusted general counsel to numerous public agencies, delivering full-service legal support to retail and wholesale providers alike. Our representation spans governance, policy development, contract negotiation and disputes, employee and labor issues, as well as day-to-day operational guidance including compliance with the Brown Act, Political Reform Act, Public Records Act, and Government Code section 1090. Learn more about our capabilities on our dedicated Public Entity Law Practice page.
Litigation
At AALRR, our approach emphasizes proactive problem-solving to avert conflicts and litigation whenever feasible. Yet, when disputes arise, our seasoned litigators step in as fierce advocates. We have an extensive track record in water litigation, handling cases such as groundwater basin adjudications, surface water disputes, challenges to groundwater sustainability plans, and issues tied to groundwater banking and local ordinances. Our attorneys also tackle environmental litigation, including matters involving endangered species protections and CEQA. We represent clients in both state and federal courts, as well as in administrative hearings before the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) and its Administrative Hearings Office.
Water Rights
Our team at AALRR has deep knowledge of California’s complex water rights landscape, a system shaped by historical precedent, statutory law, and evolving regulations. We guide clients through the process of obtaining new appropriative water rights via applications to the SWRCB, scrutinize claims to pre-1914 appropriative rights with meticulous historical analysis, and evaluate riparian rights through exhaustive title reviews. We also ensure compliance with dynamic SWRCB orders, such as curtailment notices and reporting mandates.
Beyond regulatory work, we conduct thorough due diligence for landowners, private equity firms, institutional lenders, and pension funds assessing water rights portfolios. Our detailed reports analyze the validity, scope, and risks associated with water rights, empowering clients to make informed financial, investment, and operational decisions.
Groundwater
AALRR provides comprehensive counsel on groundwater matters, with a particular focus on the implementation of the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA). We advise clients on basin boundary modifications, assist in forming groundwater sustainability agencies (GSAs), and represent these entities in drafting and executing groundwater sustainability plans (GSPs). Work also includes development of defensible management actions and project development and financing. Our attorneys have defended GSPs against legal challenges in California courts and advocated for their adequacy in SWRCB proceedings, ensuring compliance with state mandates while protecting client interests. AALRR attorneys have represented multiple GSAs before the SWRCB in probationary proceedings, and have assisted in securing exemptions from fees and reporting requirements. Whether representing public agencies or private landowners, we bring clarity to the complexities of groundwater regulation.
Water Quality
Our expertise extends to the intricate domain of water quality law, where we assist clients in navigating permitting and compliance obligations under federal and state statutes. We handle matters involving wastewater discharges, stormwater management, recycled water projects, produced water from industrial operations, agricultural runoff, and dredge/fill activities impacting surface waters, groundwater, and wetlands. Drawing on the Clean Water Act, California’s Porter-Cologne Water Quality Act, and the Safe Drinking Water Act, we ensure our clients meet regulatory standards. Additionally, we support local agencies in enforcing clean water laws, balancing compliance with practical operational needs.
Environmental & Endangered Species
AALRR’s water law attorneys excel in environmental compliance and litigation, advising public agencies and private clients on the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). We manage permitting processes and defend clients in disputes involving the federal Endangered Species Act (ESA), California Endangered Species Act (CESA), and streambed alteration agreements overseen by the California Department of Fish & Wildlife. Our work often involves crafting strategies to mitigate environmental impacts while advancing project goals, supported by our ability to litigate when necessary.
Private Water Systems & Development
AALRR offers specialized expertise in supporting private water systems and development projects. Our attorneys have expertise in navigating the process for obtaining state permits for private water systems with the SWRCB and local agencies. We also assist with expansions of existing private water systems, addressing permitting, infrastructure upgrades, and compliance with water quality and quantity standards.